PS: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
This is our review of the best puppy food for Pitbulls in 2023.
Raising a Pitbull puupy can be a challenging task especially if you’ve never raised one before. But since you are on this page and already looking for the best dog food for Pitbull pupies, I’ll assume that you take this big responsibility.
But don’t worry, I got your back, and even though it’s a big responsibility you and I know that it’s worth it, as Pitbull puppies can grow to be one of the friendliest dog breeds despite the bad reputation they have.
Pitbulls are prone to some health problems such as which can be avoided with proper nutrition. So, you might wonder what is the best food for Pitbull puppies.
As a vet, I get asked this question a lot, so I reviewed the best brands on the market to come up with a list of 8 dog food that I believe is the best pick for a Pitbull puppy.
My personal pick and the one that I always recommend for Pitbull puppies owners is ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food. But your dog’s condition, needs, and preferences might be different, that’s why I included 7 more brands. I also included a buying guide to give you a general idea about what you should keep in mind when picking food for your little pup.
Let’s start.
Our Top Picks for The Best Puppy Food for Pitbulls
- ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food (Best Puppy Food for Pitbulls Overall)
- Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best Puppy Food for Pitbulls for Brain Development)
- Merrick Real Texas Beef Puppy Food (Best Affordable Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food (Best Dry Food for Pitbull Puppies)
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Strong Bones and Teeth)
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Pitbull Puppies)
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food7 (Best Puppy Food for Pitbulls with For Sensitive Stomach and Skin Allergies)
- Diamond Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies to Gain Weight)
The 8 Best Puppy Food for Pitbulls Reviewed
Before we dive in, I want to tell you that all the dog food I included in this list meets the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for growing puppies.
Also, we recommend you consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your Pitbull puppy’s diet.
1. ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver
- Nutrient Content: 38% Protein, 16% Fat, 4% Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is the best puppy food for Pitbulls overall, it features the 5 main ingredients as animal protein which provides your little pup with the high-quality protein she needs to develop lean and strong muscles.
What I like about Orijen is the fact that it follows the WholePrey nutrition, which means that this recipe includes parts from the whole animal including organs and bones. This not only provides your Pitbull puppy with the essential protein, vitamins, and amino acids he needs to thrive but also provides them with a meal that’s similar to what they would eat if TheY were in the wild.
This formula is high in healthy fats which is crucial as it provides your growing puppy with the energy he needs to grow properly, it also includes omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
This recipe is grain-free, but it does include pinto beans, whole peas, and lentils that naturally supplement digestible carbohydrates.
Plus, it’s made in the USA so rest assured that your little pup will get high-quality nutrition.
2. Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Nutrient Content: 28% Protein, 17% Fat, 4% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Natural, Pea-Free, Molasses-Free, Non-GMO
Featuring 28% of crude protein from chicken as the first ingredient along with lamb and salmon, this formula is rich in high-quality protein which is very convenient for growing Pitbulls to develop lean and strong muscles.
This formula includes an exclusive mix of superfoods including coconut and blueberries which provide your little pup with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which promote a complete and balanced diet.
Omega-fatty acids are also included to help your little pal develop and maintain healthy skin and shiny coats. Along with antioxidants to support his fragile digestive system.
Plus, it is completely free of corn, wheat, flavors, colors, and artificial preservatives and the ingredients come from trusted farmers so that your pup gets high-quality, clean, and safe nutrition.
3. Merrick Real Texas Beef Puppy Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Whitefish Meal
- Nutrient Content: 28% Protein, 15% Fat, 4.5% Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Grain-Free
Buying the best dog food for your Pitbull puppy shouldn’t break the bank, and you don’t have to compromise quality for the price.
Merrick Real Texas Beef Puppy Food is a great option if you are on a budget. Featuring 28% protein from deboned beef and turkey meal as the main ingredients, this formula provides a strong source of essential protein that will help your pup develop and maintain strong muscles.
The whitefish meal is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. While the added glucosamine and chondroitin promote easy mobility by supporting hips and joints health.
Also, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and blueberries are great sources of easily digestible carbs, fiber, and antioxidants that support your pup’s developing defense mechanism.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
- Nutrient Content: 36% Protein, 16% Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food features 36% of crude protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal, this provides your growing pup with the strong sources of protein that he needs to develop lean and strong muscles.
This formula is high in healthy fats and fatty acids which is very important for your little pup as it provides him with the energy he needs to keep up with his activity levels and help him grow properly.
The added DHA and ARA fatty acids along with taurine aid in brain and eye health and promote healthy growth.
This formula is grain free, it’s made without fillers and common allergens for dogs such as wheat, corn, soy, and artificial products.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal
- Nutrient Content: 24% Protein, 11% Fat, 3% Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Type of Product: High-Protein, With Grain
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food features controlled levels of calcium, this is very important because it will help your fast-growing pup develop strong teeth and bones.
It also features 24% crude protein from chicken meal as the first ingredient, this provides your puppy with a strong source of protein to develop lean and strong muscle, while the added glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy hips and joints.
It also contains DHA omega-3 fatty acids that support your puppy’s neural development. Along with a special mix of antioxidants, vitamin E and C that supports his immune system and help him develop his basic defense mechanisms.
Plus, it’s completely free of any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and it’s made in the USA, so rest assured that your little pup will get high-quality dog food.
6. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Canned Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas
- Nutrient Content: 9% Protein, 6% Fat, 1.3% Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain
For picky eaters puppies, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Canned Dog Food is a great option. It features real chicken as the main ingredient to provide your growing puppy with the essential protein and amino acids to develop lean and strong muscles.
Chicken is a natural source of glucosamine that promotes easy mobility by supporting hips and joint health.
For wet food to get its wet form, it must contain one of two things: water or broth. I personally prefer broth because it contains more nutrients than water. And this formula contains chicken broth which is nutrient rich and provides your little pal with a complete and balanced diet.
The added DHA omega fatty acids support eye and brain development.
This recipe is free from fillers and artificial preservatives, which is very important for your puppy’s developing digestive and immune systems.
When it comes to wet food, I recommend that you mix it with dry food to give your little pup the best of both, however, make sure that you only feed him in the amounts he needs to prevent overfeeding and thus obesity.
7. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Salmon, Rice, Barley, Fish Meal, Canola Meal
- Nutrient Content: 28% Protein, 18% Fat, 3% Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is the best option for puppies with sensitive skin stomach, featuring 28% crude protein from Salmon as the first ingredient, this formula provides a premium source of protein to help your puppy develop lean strong muscles, while the 18% fat content provides him with high levels of energy and support his fast-growing body.
Rice and barley are nutrients rich and great sources of fiber which promote healthy digestion and provide your dog with a complete and balanced diet. And, it’s also free from fillers, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors which is great for your pup’s sensitive stomach.
Salmon is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids which – along with the added omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower oil – support skin and coat health.
It also contains DHA which aids in eye and brain development, and antioxidants that enforce your little pup’s fragile immune system.
8. Diamond Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Ground Corn, Wheat Flour, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp
- Nutrient Content: 31% Protein, 20% Fat, 3% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: High Fiber, With Grain
There are lots of situations where your Pitbull puppy might get underweight, the most common one is dealing with a health issue.
Either way, you’d want to feed her a proper diet that promotes weight gain and provides optimal energy levels.
Diamond Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is the best option that will help your small friend gain weight, it features an ideal balance of 31% crude protein and 20% fat content which are optimal for supporting lean muscle development while at the same time providing high amounts of energy to stay active during the day.
This formula also includes DHA from salmon oil which supports proper eye and brain development. Along with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
Plus, it’s made in the USA with high-quality ingredients to ensure that your small pal gets nutritious dog food.
How to Buy The Best Puppy Food for Pitbulls
Considering their unique nutritional needs, picking a dog food for your little puppy is different and might be sometimes more challenging than choosing the best dog food for adult Pitbulls. That’s why I’m going to share with you what you need to know about Pitbull puppy nutrition before you choose a dog food.
High Protein
The main component in every dog’s food is protein, it’s the key component that supports lean and strong muscle development and thus must always be listed as the very first ingredient in your puppy’s food. However, if it’s not, don’t bother reading the rest of the ingredients.
When it comes to protein content, I always recommend that you should always choose a puppy food that features at least 24% of crude protein, and the more the better. However, I highly recommend that you always stay away from any diet that has lower than that.
Also, always choose a protein that comes from real meat instead of vegetables and fruits, that way you ensure that your puppy gets high-quality protein that has all the macronutrients he needs for healthy and proper growth.
Fats
Fats are the main source of energy for dogs, not carbohydrates. They are very important for your growing pup because they provide him with high levels of energy to discover the world around him, play all day long, and help him grow properly. Omega fatty acids are also important for a healthy coat and skin.
My general advice for Pitbull puppies when it comes to fats is the more the better unless your pup is having weight management issues in which case I’d highly recommend that you consult a vet.
And keep in mind that all the food I included in the list above meets the fat percentage criteria, so rest assured that you’ll give your pup the right amount of what he actually needs.
Carbohydrates
For most dogs, carbohydrates are easily accessible calories that provide an immediate boost of energy.
Carbs are necessary for puppies for a complete and balanced diet, but not in the amounts we find in the majority of dog food, that’s why I always recommend that you limit your puppy’s consumption of carbs as much as you can, because their system will store the extra energy as fat.
Also, always aim for easily digestible carbs as they provide the best value for your little puppy.
Whole grains like brown rice, wheat, corn, and millet are excellent sources of carbs. Fruits and vegetables are also healthy sources of carbs if your dog is on a grain-free diet or allergic to grains.
Our Verdict
Pitbull puppies are amazing creatures and can grow to be one of the most protective yet friendly dogs.
Choosing a diet that meets the needs of your puppy is vital for proper and healthy growth.
From all the food I reviewed, I found that ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is the best puppy food for Pitbulls, it has a perfect balance of all the nutrients your Pitbull puppy need to thrive.
And before you make any changes in your Pitbull’s diet, please consult with your veterinarian.
